Religion
The greatest challenge the Cornwall Jewish community would have to face began to emerge in the late 1960s and 1970s, as the population started to shrink in size and the remaining citizens began to age. Despite diminishing numbers, Cornwall's Jewish community remained active through the latter decades of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. Marriages and bar mitzvahs were celebrated in the shul's social hall, with caterers from Montreal delivering and serving kosher dairy meals. Annually, on Yom Kippur, the community broke the fast together. There were Purim celebrations with the traditional Megillah reading and candy distributed to the children. Annual Donor Dinners helped keep money in the coffers.
A memorable event took place on 9 June 1985 in the form of a rededication ceremony held in honour of Beth El's 60th year and the 125th anniversary of the Jewish presence in Cornwall. Planners were hoping that 50 people would be present; however, 86 came to the ceremony and cocktail party. The event was a great success.
By the 1990s, the problems posed by diminishing numbers were becoming more severe. A decline in membership meant less money available for maintaining the synagogue and fewer people available to attend services. The community responded to the challenge with great spirit and determination. Three major steps were taken. First, a fundraising campaign among current and former members of Cornwall's Jewish community was launched and succeeded in gathering $30,000. Second, in 1992 a coalition was formed that included Cornwall as well as a number of other small communities in Upper New York State. These Jewish communities pooled their resources and organized activities together a couple of times per year, taking turns in different towns. The third step was announced to the community at the end of 1990. On 8 December, a general meeting was called. The main motion at this meeting was moved "That women be counted as part of a minyan and fully participate in all services." A special general meeting was called for 6 January 1991. The motion passed and women were counted.
The steps taken by the Beth El congregation were effective for some years, but eventually the implications of a shrinking community had to be faced and on 2 April 2006, the community closed its synagogue.
